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The Baird Family 
Centennial 



With a sketch of the life of Francis Baird, the 
pioneer, who settled in Warwick, N. Y., in 
1765, and a geneological list of some of his 
descendants, and other papers read on the 
occasion of the reunion at the homestead of 
his late son, William Eagles Baird, in 1910. 



EDITOR 

FERDINAND V. SANFORD 



Warwick Valley Dispatch Print, 

Warwick, N. Y. 

1912. 






p 



PROGRAM. 

1810 BAIRD CENTENNIAL 1910 

FRANCIS BAIRD SANFORD, Chairman. 

i Invocation .... Rev. Taber Knox 

2 Luncheon 

3 History Baird Family - - - Ferdinand V. Sanford 

4 Acrostic — Francis Baird. 

Written by Rev. Ezra T. Sanford, a neighbor, who was not able 
to be present, and read by William L. Baird. 

5 Sarah DeKay, the First Mistress of the Baird House. 

Written by David Barclay; read by the present mistress, Anna 
Jayne Baird. 

6 Poem — Abia Francis Baird. 

An appreciation. Written and read by his grand daughter, 
Katherine G. Sanders. 

7 Reminiscences of Bally Castle - - George A. Sanford 

8 Extracts from letters from the kinsmen, expressing regrets, read by 

one of the Walling kinsmen, Lillian A. Wilson. 

9 Parting Song — "Auld Lang Syne." 




FOREWORD. 



THE BAIRDS were among the early settlers of the town of Warwick, 
and this is an attempt — the first one— it is believed to perpetuate the 
history of the family in permanent form. As the years roll on and the 
older faces vanish from view, it becomes more and more difficult to gather 
up matters of family history. 

It was on the occasion of the reunion in 1910, to celebrate the centen- 
nial of the erection of the William Eagles Baird homestead in this town, 
that the matter of preserving some facts of .our history received its im- 
pulse. 

This booklet does not assume to be a complete history of the family, 
or of the pioneer and his descendants, but it is an- account primarily of the 
doings at the reunion, and a record of the articles read at that time. Some 
genealogical statistics have been appended to add to its value as a sou- 
venir. There are doubtless some errors in this part, but the writer has 
done the best he could to gather up such material as is given, although 
he was wholly unable in some branches of the family to get any data 
whatever. 

The booklet is sent forth in the hope that it may prove to be an intro- 
duction, perhaps, to a history more worthy of this good old family, to be 
written by some of the kinsmen who may have more time at their disposal. 

To all who have so kindly contributed in any way to the publication, 
due acknowledgment is hereby made, and that the scattered clansmen 
into whose hands it shall come will pardon its limitations and join in the 
confident hope that the bonds uniting our family may be strengthened, is 
the sincere desire and cordial greeting of 

THE EDITOR. 
Dated Warwick, N. Y., March, 1912. 



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BAIRD FAMILY CENTENNIAL 

Dear Kinsman : 

This year marks the centennial of the erection of the Baird homestead 
in this town, a cut of which appears opposite. 

We shall celebrate the event by a family re-union to be held at the 
homestead, at noon on August 2, 1910. All the descendants of Francis 
Baird, the pioneer, will be cordially welcome. He came to this town in 
1765, and built a stone house which is still standing in the village. The 
stone house, shown in cut, was built by his oldest son, William Eagles 
Baird, in 1810, and has been ever since in the Baird family. The pres- 
ent owner, Mr. William Parks Baird, invites all of the Baird kinsmen to 
attend and commemorate the one hundredth anniversary on the date 
stated. 

It is the purpose of the committee to have a picnic on the grounds, 
with social fellowship, and some addresses ; a short history of the family 
by Mr. Ferdinand V. Sanford; an original poem by Miss Katherine G. 
Sanders of Auburn, entitled "An Appreciation of Abia Francis Baird;" a 
sketch of Sarah DeKay, the wife of William Eagles Baird, by Mr. David 
Barclay of Newburgh, and an address by Mr. George A. Sanford of 
New York, who has visited Bally Castle, Ireland, from whence the pioneer 
sailed to this country some time in the fore part of the eighteenth century. 

It is hoped that enough interest will be manifested so that a booklet 
may be published containing the addresses delivered, the names of those 
in attendance and a list of the members of the family so far as they are 
known. 

Those desiring copies of the booklet will kindly forward their names 
and addresses to the Secretary, with $1.00, the cost of publication per copy. 

Annexed is a short chart of the family showing the principal lines of 
descent from which you may trace your relationship. 

Kindly write to the Secretary promptly whether you expect to be 
present. 

Train will leave Warwick at 12 noon arriving at Baird 's crossing at 
12.05 ; returning at 3.50 or 4.40 p. m. Round trip tickets ten cents. 
Cordially yours, 
William Parks Baird. Mrs. William P. Baird, 

Katherine G. Sanders, Mrs. Frank E. Smith, 

Ferdinand V. Sanford, Secretary, Mrs. Pierre S. Demerest, 
Annie Walling, Mrs. John W. Sanford, 

Dated, Warwick, N. Y., July 15, 1910. Committee. 



[Fifth] 



KINSMEN AT REUNION 

WITH a few exceptions, all of the company present at the Centennial 
were Bairds by birth, marriage or descent. The following is the list 



from the guest book 



Baird, William Parks Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Anna J Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Sarah A Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, John H Butler, N. J. 

Baird, John Jr Butler, N. J. 

Baird, Minnie W Butler, N. J. 

Baird, Isaac Sharp Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, William L Paterson, N. J. 

Baird, Elizabeth K Paterson, N. J. 

Baird, Charles Seely Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Mrs. Isaac S Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Mrs. John C Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Fred J Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Minnie C Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, William H Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Mrs. William H Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, George M Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, John C Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Percy M Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Nathaniel W Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Mrs. Nathaniel W Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Mabel De Kay, Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Ella M Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Thomas Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Samuel D Warwick, N. Y. 

Baird, Clara Benedict Chester, N. Y. 

Bertholf, Sarah C Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Bertholf, Mazie J Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Coates, Maud Baird Warwick, N. Y. 

Coates, Emma May Warwick, N. Y. 

Coates, Charles William Warwick, N. Y. 

Coates, Mary Elizabeth Warwick, N. Y. 

Coates, Grace Baird Warwick, N. Y. 

Coates, George Edgar Warwick, N. Y. 

Coates. Ernest Thomas Warwick, N. Y. 

Demerett, Sue Baird Warwick. N. Y. 

Demerest, Pierre San ford Warwick. N. Y 

[Sixth| 



Hopkins, Gilbert P New York City. 

Hopkins, James S New York City. 

Houston, Myra Bellvale, N. Y. 

Houston, Oliver A Florida, N. Y. 

Houston, Julia E Bellvale, N. Y. 

Houston, Mrs. Floyd S West Hoboken, N. J. 

Houston, May West Hoboken, N. J. 

Houston, Edgar A Florida, N. Y. 

Howell, Sidney O Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Howell, Nellie P Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Howell, Mary M Goshen, N. Y. 

Howell, Bertha Campbell Hall, N. Y. 

Howell, Charles B Campbell Hall. N. Y. 

Howell, Elizabeth Campbell Hall, N. Y. 

Hansel, Rev. Ernest Amity, N. Y. 

Jayne, Mrs. George F Florida, N. Y. 

Jayne, Carrie L Florida, N. Y. 

Ketchum, George F Warwick, N. Y. 

Ketchum, Evelyn Wilson Warwick, N. Y. 

Knox, Rev. Taber Warwick, N. Y. 

Knox, Ada Quinby Warwick, N. Y. 

Lattimer, John New Hampton, N. Y. 

Lattimer, Mrs. John New Hampton, N. Y. 

Laroe, Helen Sugar Loaf, N. Y. 

Parkhurst, Floyd V Florida, N. Y. 

Parkhurst, Mrs. Floyd V Florida, N. Y. 

Parkhurst, Mildred E Florida, N. Y. 

Parkhurst, Thomas Taylor Florida, N. Y. 

Parkhurst, Margaret Taylor Florida, N. Y. 

Parkhurst, Mary J Florida, N. Y. 

Pierson, Mrs. G. Wilson Florida, N. Y. 

Sanders, Katherine G Auburn, N. Y. 

Sanders. Jane Baird Auburn, N. Y. 

Sanford, Ferdinand V Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, Rowena Herrick Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, Francis Baird Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, Sarah Welling , .Warwick, N. Y. 

*Sanford. Frances Amelia Baird Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, George Alden New York City. 

Sanford, John Wheeler Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, John Wheeler Jr Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, Bertha Furman Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, Bertha Elizabeth Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, John Alden Warwick, N Y. 

*Died Jan. 26, 1911, 

[Seventh] 



Sanford. Marion Hurt Warwick. N*. V. 

Sanford, Winthrop Warwick, N. Y. 

Sanford, Mary Bessie Warwick, N. V. 

Sanford, J. Everett Warwick, N. V. 

Sanford, Sarah Burt Warwick, N. V. 

Sanford, Townsend Wright Warwick, N. Y. 

Smith, Mary Sanford Warwick, N. Y. 

Smith, Frank E Warwick, N. Y. 

Sturr, Mary E Florida, N. Y. 

Sturr, Sarah C Florida, N. Y. 

Sturr, William V Florida, N. Y. 

Sturr, Walter R Florida, N. Y. 

Talcott, Lillian Baird Warwick, N. Y. 

Tate, Hiram Warwick. N. Y. 

Taylor, Howell Florida, N. Y. 

Taylor, Morrison Florida, N. Y. 

Taylor, Sarah C Florida, N. Y. 

*Walling, Francis Vernon, N. J. 

Walling, Mrs. Francis Vernon, N. J. 

Walling, Mrs. Sarah J Warwick, N. V. 

Walling, Henry Amity, N. Y. 

Walling, Nicholas R Amity, N. Y. 

Walling, Mrs. Nicholas R Amity, N. Y. 

Walling, John R New Hampton, N. Y. 

Walling, Charles B New Hampton, N. Y. 

Walling, Mrs. John R New Hampton, N. Y, 

Walling, Helen New Hampton, N. Y. 

Walling, Ruth New Hampton, N. Y. 

Wilson, Fred W Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Wilson, Elizabeth Walling Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Wilson, Lillian A Brooklyn, N. V. 

Welch, John W Warwick, X. Y. 

Welch, Emma Walling Warwick, N. Y. 

Welch, Ralph Sayre Warwick, N. Y. 

Welch, Sarah Eleanor Warwick, X. Y. 

Welch, Marguerite Warwick, X. Y. 

Wyker. Elizabeth H Goshen, N. Y. 

Wyker, Alfred Ogden Goshen. N. Y. 

Zabriskie. Anita L Cooperstown. N. Y. 

•Died iqi i. 






\ 



I 



THE BAIRD FAMILY 

BY FERDINAND V. SANFORD 




RAN CIS BAIRD, the pioneer, was among the early settlers of the 
town of Warwick, coming here in about 1765. He had previously 
been a merchant for a long time in New York City. Shortly 
after his arrival, he purchased a large tract of land of about 220 
acres — the greater part of which he probably bought of Henry 
Wisner of Goshen. In 1766 he built the stone house on Main street in 
the village of Warwick, which is still standing in excellent preservation 
and is now owned by Mr. William B. Sayer. 

Mr. Sayer, in an article published in December, 1903, in the Warwick 
Dispatch, says of this house: "The house, as originally built, had a frame 
addition on the south end, one and a half stories high, which was the 
kitchen, and contained two large old-fashioned fire places, with a stone 
back-log and a brick oven, with a stone chimney built into the south end 
of the stone part of the house. 

"In this kitchen were prepared the old-fashioned dinners of our grand- 
father's days. This was the leading tavern, or inn, in the village from the 
time it was built up to 1830, and the shows that came to town, for this was 
the center of the village at that time, were held in the large ball room, 
which had a spring floor, and was situated in the northeast corner of the 
second story. The beaux and belles of ye olden time used to meet and 
dance there. The room opening off this room to the west is said to be the 
room where Gen. George Washington slept. In the first story a large hall 
ran through from the front to the back on the south end with a winding 
staircase running up to the attic. North of that, in the front of the house, 
was the barroom with a large open fire place, with two bars for the sale of 
whiskey — one long one and one built like a quarter of a circle. 

"One day a man rode into this barroom on horseback and drank at the 
bar sitting on his horse. On training days, when the militia gathered for 
practice, they made egg nog by the barrel for the men to drink. One day 
when it rained and the militia could not practice, the late Benjamin Sayer 
was present and heard the muster roll called in the attic. In olden times 
the attic was used to store grain in. Many a traveling circus was held 
where the present barn stands. Most of the timbers of this house are of 
oak, hewn square with axes, and the floors are of wide pine planks, two 
inches thick; the old windows have 24 lights 8x10 inches in each; all doors, 
mouldings, casings, flooring, &c, were dressed out by hand. The stone 
chimney, containing four flues, is 15 feet across where it goes through the 
attic. The mechanics who built this house were brought from New York 
City, and when completed it was considered the finest house in this sec- 
tion. The farm of 220 acres embraced all the land along the west side of 
Main street from the Welling Hotel to the home of Judge John J. Beattie, 
and ran along both sides of the Edenville road to the farm of Mr. Henry 

P. Demarest." 

[Ninth] 



Francis Baird s assessment in 1775, as made by John Hatbuiu, a 
sor, was 21 pounds 6 pence, the largest assessment but one on the assess- 
ment roll. 

Among the distinguished persons who have stopped at this house were 
Gen. George Washington and wife who stayed over night here during the 
Revolutionary War, when en route to his Newburgh headquarters. 

Mrs. George M. VanDuzer of this village, by dint of considerable re- 
search, has discovered the exact date of the General's visit to Warwick to 
have been on July 27, 1782. 

On Thursday, May 20, 1779, at 9 a. m., the Third New Hampshire 
Regiment, under Col. Henry Dearborn, stopped at Francis Baird's tavern 
in the village of Warwick and took breakfast. 

Capt. Daniel Livennore, one of his captains, made a record of this fact 
in his journal. This regiment was the one that saved the day in the great 
battle near Elmira, under Gen. Sullivan. 

Rev. James Manning, a Baptist minister and wife, from Providence, 
R. I., preached at Warwick and took dinner with Mr. Baird on Sunday, 
Sept. 12, 1779, and said in his diary: "We had an elegant dinner and were 
treated very hospitably." 

The Marquis de Chastellux, one of the forty members of the French 
Academy, and a Major General in the French Army, serving under Count 
Rochambeau, stayed all night here with his aides on Dec. 6, 1782, and says 
in his "Travels in North America in the years 1780, '81 '82:" "Warwick, 
where I slept, a pretty large place for so wild a country, is twelve miles from 
Chester and twenty-eight from Newburgh. I lodged here in a very good 
inn kept by Mr. Smith, the same at whose house I had slept two years be- 
fore at Ckeat, which was much inferior to this. The American army hav- 
ing for two years past had their winter quarters near West Point, Mr. 
Smith imagined with reason that this road would be more frequented than 
that of Paramus, and he had taken this inn of a Mr. Beard at whose bouse 
we stopped next day to breakfast. The house had been given up to him 
with some furniture and he had upwards of 150 acres of land, belonging to 
it, for the whole of which he paid seventy pounds (currency) making 
about 100 pistoles. I had every reason to be content with my old ac- 
quaintance, and the new establishment. The next morning, the 7th, we 
set out before breakfast and the snow began to fall as soon as we got on 
horseback, which did not cease till we got to Beard's tavern. This house 
was not near so good as the other, but the workmen were busy augment- 
ing it. On inquiring of Mr. Beard, who is an Irishman, the reason of his 
quitting his good house at Warwick, to keep this inn, he informed me, it 
was a settlement he was forming for his son-in-law, and that as soon as he 
had put it in order, he should return to his house at Warwick. This Mr. 
Beard had long lived as a merchant at New York, and even sold books, 
which I learned from observing some good ones at his house, among 
others, 'Human Prudence', which 1 purchased." 

From the records of the First and Second Presbyterian Churches of 
New York City, there is an entry among the marriages of date June 21, 
1758. of Francis Baird to Esther Eagles This is believed to be the mar- 

Dth] 




JOHN BAIRD 
L820-1906 



riage record of the pioneer, and the name of his wife, our maternal ances- 
tor. The wife's surname is preserved in the middle name of their first 
born son, William Eagles Baird, the builder of this hospitable ^mansion one 
hundred years ago. Francis Baird was a man of prominence and wealth 
for that early day. He was one of the trustees of the Presbyterian Church 
of the village of Warwick, and one of its incorporators on Oct. 22, 1791. 
(This church was the predecessor of the Reformed Church and stood on 
the same grounds.) He was the First Clerk of that organization, and the 
records kept by him, which are still perserved, are in beautiful handwrit- 
ing. The deed of the church property is in his name as one of the trustees. 
His name also appears as one of the most liberal subscribers to the work of 
that church at different times. 

From the census of the U. S. 1790 (the first Federal Census) we find 
this entry: "Francis Baird, number of male members of his family (in- 
cluding head. ) 

Over 16 years old 8 

Male members of his family under 16 years 1 

Female members 3 

Slaves 2 

Total 14 

Francis Baird also conducted a general country store at his residence, 
in a small wing of the house, and a sign in front indicated that there was 
"Chandler's & Baird's store." 

He was a patriot and a signer of the non-importation pledge. He con- 
veyed his Warwick property to his son John, who was a tanner, in 1799, for 
the consideration of $3750.00, taking back a mortgage for the whole pur- 
chase money. His wife must have died prior to his death, as no mention 
is made of her in his will. He died in 1800 and left a will dated Dec. 18, 
1799, which was probated in this county on May 12, 1800. His son, Abia 
Francis, who was a lawyer, was appointed sole executor. All of his prop- 
erty, with a few exceptions, was given to his six children in equal shares. 
One clause in the will reads: "Item: I give to my four sons, William, 
John, Samuel and Abia, and my two daughters, Anna and Margaret, each 
ten pounds to purchase a mourning suit of clothes." 

It is not known where Francis and his wife are buried, but they are 
supposed to have been buried in the Presbyterian Church burying ground, 
and their bodies may have been removed to the Warwick Cemetery in 
1889, at the time when the new Reformed Church was built, and all of the 
graves were removed by the latter church to the Warwick Cemetery. No 
stone, however, marks the spot of these our progenitors. 

So much for the pioneer and the old ancestral home of the Bairds in 
the village of Warwick. Here were born presumably the six children, viz: 

William Eagles, b Oct. 8, 1765; d May 21, 1814 

John, b d 

Samuel, b Aug. 31, 1769; d Nov. 15, 1816 

Abia Francis, b d 

Anna, b d 

Margaret, b d 

[Eleventh] 



The BOD, Abia Fraocifl, I to have bc< ■ mar- 
ried and died, it is said, at Sandy Hill, N. V. He was a lame man. John 
was a tanner and conducted a tannery in this village for several years. It 
was located on the brook in the rear of the Francis Baird farm in this vill- 
age. He married Esther and moved to Sandy Hill, and then to 

Saratoga where he conducted the Congress Hall Hotel there. He died and 
was buried at Saratoga. He had no children, but had two adopted daugh- 
ters, Margaret Baird and Julia Sherrill ; the latter's husband kept the Lake 
House Hotel at Saratoga. 

The daughter, Anna, never married so far as it can be ascertained, 
and was probably buried with her parents in the church burying ground in 
this village. 

The son, Samuel, married Dec. 12, 1792, Hannah Minthoru, and by 
her had nine children — 

Nathaniel M., who left no decendants. 
Francis, who left no decendants. 

Thomas Eagles, b d April 27, 1852; m Mary Ann Tylor. b April 

12, 1798. 
Thomas, deceased. 

Anna Elizabeth, b 1824; d 1897; m Nov. 6, 1845, William H. Mar- 
bury. 
Alice, b Sept. 7, 1846; m Nov. 6, 1868. Thomas B. Browning. 
Thomas Baird, b Sept. 3, 1869; d Sept. 28, 1884. 
Edith Marbury, b Sept. 23, 1871. 
Alice, b Oct. 28, 1873. 
Anna Thomas. 
William Henry, deceased. 

Mary, b d m Warren P. Taylor. 

William Henry Marbury. 
Anna de Leon, deceased. 
Warren P. Taylor, Jr. 
Francis Ferdinand. 
Mary, died in infancy. 
Ella, died in infancy. 

Leonard, b d ni Clara Davi^ 

William Henry. 
Anna Mason, deceased 
Leonard. 
Henry, died in infancy. 
Leonard, deceased, 
Eliza Hunton. 
Mary, b Dec. 18, 1868. 
Edith, deceased. 
Hannah Minthorn, b d in Jan. 23. i-mw. John R. Ma- 

John Sommcrs. 
Edith. 
Elizabeth. 

m Lawrence Stabler. 
Elizabeth, deceased. 

Besin. 

William Henry Marbury. 
Hester i>r Bather, deceased. 

Hester or Ksther, 1> d m Willam Law 

Samuel, 

Thomas Baird. b d m Marv Denvse. 

Samuel, deceased. 
David Turner, deceased 

Ifth] 



Hannah, who left no descendants. 

Margaret, b d m 1841 William Browning, b May 7, 1792; 

d 1863. 
Samuel, b Oct. 25, 1842; d Oct. 17, 1892; m Dec. 16, 1868, Lucretia 
Burdett. 
Grace, b Oct, 2, 1869; m Rev. J. J. Moore. 
Paul. 

Adele, b Aug. 30, 1871. 
William, deceased. 
Louise, deceased. 
Thomas Baird, b Sept 9, 1844. 

m Nov. 6, 1868, Alice Virginia Marbury. 
Thomas Baird, b Sept. 3, 1869; d Sept. 28, 1884. 
Edith Marbury, b Sept. 23, 1871. 
Alice, b Oct. 28, 1873. 
Henry, b Jan. 16, 1847; d Aug. 10, 1873; m Charlotte 
Boardman. 
Nathaniel M., who left no descendents. 
Jane, who left no descendants 

Thomas E. Baird, son of Samuel, went to Washington, D. C, where 
he met George Rodney and Thomas Tyler, who had a contract for 
furnishing stone for the United States treasury building from the quarry 
on their plantation in Stafford County, Virginia. Thomas E. went with 
the Tylers, who were related to the President, to their home, and later 
married their youngest sister, Mary Ann Tyler. He survived the Tyler 
brothers and finished the contract, passing the remainder of his life in 
Alexandria, Virginia. 

Samuel Lawson died before his brother, Thomas B. Lawson, at Fall 
River, Mass., where he was engaged in the iron business. 

Thomas Baird Lawson often visited at Warwick, at Mrs. George W. 
Sanford's, who was a cousin, and among the other relatives. He was an 
expert accountant in New York, and a delightful conversationalist. He 
knew more about the Baird family than any of the Warwick branch. He 
always said that the Bairds came from Bally Castle, Ireland, in the Boat 
King William. He had two sons, both of whom are deceased, leaving no 
descendants. His youngest son, David Turner Lawson, graduated at Cor- 
nell University in 1873 as a clv il engineer. 

The daughter, Margaret Baird, married Joseph Walling, and by him 
had three children: 

Sarah, who died at six years of age. 
Francis Baird, b 1786; d 1861. 
Joseph. 

(For Walling descendants see Appendix.) 

From the Hardyston Memorial by Rev. A. A. Haines page 25, in 
speaking of the early settlers of Hardyston Township, Sussex County, New 
Jersey, says: "Joseph Walling, Sr., came in very early. He owned a tract 
of land extending from the Wallkill, and the lands of the Sharps and the 
Lawrences, for nearly a mile east. He lived at first in a log house, but, 
about 1750, erected his frame dwelling (See cut in the Memorial.) Some 
have called this the first frame house in Hamburg. At any rate it was 
superior to all that has preceded it, and standing on the State road, was 

[Thirteenth] 



lor more than a century the central landmark oi the village. The house 
was licensed as an inn and on ancient maps, the place is designated as 
"Wallings." 

It was consumed by nre in 1859, a °d tDe house of Richard E. Edsall 
now stands upon its site. When General Washington, during the Revo- 
lutionary War, passed through from Newburgh to Easton, he is said to 
have dined at the stone house of Colonel John Hathorn, this side of War- 
wick, to have spent the night in the Walling house, and the night following 
at New Town (Newton) where he was entertained by Thomas Anderson. 
Assistant Quartermaster of the Continental Army. * * * Joseph 
Walling, Jr. built what is commonly called the Samuel Riggs house which 
is still standing. There he died at the age of twenty-four, leaving three 
children, Francis, Joseph and Polly. The land passed out of their hands. 
Francis when grown lived at Amity, but returned for one year to Hamburg 
and worked at the tanner's trade. They were the ancestors of the Wall- 
ings now living among us." 

This Joseph Walling, Jr.. was the husband of Margaret Baird, and the 
daughter Polly referred toby Mr. Haines is the one known as Sarah who 
died in infancy. 

Another writer in speaking of Joseph Walling says: He is supposed 
to have been a man of considerable means for he took up a large amount 
of land in that place and although he died in middle life, he was the 
possessor of some three thousand acres, owning tracts about Hamburg and 
nearly all the land from Tompkins Corners to Hamburg. He died on the 
Charles De Kay tract, which he owned, in Vernon. 

His son Francis Baird Walling learned the tanner and currier business 
of Maj. James Wheeler of Warwick, during his minority; afterwards with 
his brother Joseph went to Cincinnati, where they were engaged in busi- 
ness for a time and were very successful. Returning he married, ( 1 ) 
Margaret Perry and then (2) Mrs. Van Court by whom he had the children 
above mentioned. 

After returning from Cincinnati, Francis engaged in the tanning and 
currying business at Amity, and during the latter part of his life became a 
large farmer. 

Although his father acquired considerable property, through complica- 
tions in business matters little was received by his children, and con- 
sequently they started out in life with little pecuniary assistance. 

Francis Walling was a thorough-going business man, belonging to the 
old line Whig party, but was no seeker after political place. He furnished 
a substitute for the war of 1812, was patriotic and a strong supporter oi the 
government. 

His brother Joseph continued to live in the west and is said to have 
left descendants. 

The oldest son of Francis Baird, William Ragles, was married on Feb. 
22, 17S4 to Sarah DcKay ( b April 24, [766 d. June 5, l8lQ) a daughter of 
Capt, Thomas Dekay, who at that time resided on the Townscnd W. San- 
ford farm, which adjoined the Baird homestead. To them were born 10 
children, as followi 

[ Fourteenth I 



Esther, b July 7, 1785; d July 15, 1785. 
Nathaniel Wheeler, b July 31, 1787; d April 7, 1838. 
Mary, b March 17, 1790; d June 9, 1836. 
Abia Francis, b Sept. 3, 1792; d July 18, 1848. 
Elizabeth, b Sept. 27, 1794; d Oct. 27, 1794. 
Jane Ann, b Sept. 8, 1795; d July 14, 1853. 
Frances, b Aug. 4, 1802; d March 10, 1889. 
Sarah, b Sept. 16, 1802; d April 1, 1886. 
Juliana E., b Dec. 22, 1805; d June 6, 1808. 
Christian Eliza, b March 17, 1809; d Oct. 7, 1896. 

Three of these children, Esther, Elizabeth and Juliana E., died in in- 
fancy. Jane Ann died in her 58th year unmarried. She always made her 
home at this house. She was a tailoress by trade, and a most estimable 
lady. I have heard it said of her that she was a perfect lady, and taught 
her nephews and nieces many things, and especially good manners and de- 
portment. 

Sarah, the wife of Nathaniel Pelton, left no issue, and is well remem- 
bered by many of us, as kindly, genial and very hospitable. She is buried 
in the Warwick Cemetery beside her husband in the Pelton plot. Here 
are also buried William Eagles Baird, his wife Sarah and daughter Jane 
Ann, all of whom had been previously buried in the DeKay burying 
ground on the Town send W. Sanford farm, but whose bodies were after- 
wards removed to the Pelton plot by Mrs. David H. Barclay of Newburgh, 
a daughter and sister respectively of the parties. 

It may be interesting to those who desire to know more of their DeKay 
ancestors, that there are also buried in this old burying ground (on the San- 
ford farm) with stones to mark their graves, the parents of Sarah DeKay 
Baird, with the following inscriptions: 

Capt. Thomas DeKay 

who departed this life 

Feb. 12, 1810, 

in the 78th year of his age. 

Mary DeKay 
wife of Thomas DeKay 
died, Dec. 21, 1820 
in the 82nd year. 

Christian 
wife of Nathaniel Wheeler 
daughter of Thomas and Mary 
DeKay, died, Nov. 7, 1853 
aged 84 years, 8 months, 25 days. 

The other children of William Eagles Baird and Sarah DeKay his wife 
married and had children, and their names and descendants, so far as the 
writer has been able to get them, are given in the appendix below. 

William Eagles was a farmer, or yeoman as described in the old deeds, 
that is, a freeholder, or a man free born. In England a yeoman is con- 
sidered next in order to the gentry. 

He bought and moved to this homestead in the year 1789, and the farm 
has been continuously in his and his descendants' ownership ever since, or 
more than 121 years. 

The title deeds are still in the present owner's possession, many of 

[Fifteenth] 



them unrecorded, but in excellent preservation, and it is a pleasing coin- 
cidence that the present owner bears the same name as his worthy great- 
grandfather. 

The deeds for the first four tracts conveyed to William Eagles Baird 
are as follows: 

i. From William Wickham, attorney at law of the City of New 
York, conveying for the consideration of 32 pounds current 
money of the state, dated. March 31, 1789, 35 acres, 3 roods and 
31 rods of land. 

2. From Thomas DeKay, yeoman of the town of Warwick, dated, 
June 8, 1789, conveying for the consideration of 90 pounds 
current money of N. Y. 40 acres of land. 

3. From Thomas DeKay and Mary his wife of the town of War- 
wick, dated, May 1, 1794, conveying for the consideration of 
157 pounds, 5 acres and 31 rods of land. 

4. From Thomas DeKay of Warwick, dated, May 1, 1794, con- 
veying for the consideration of 21 pounds current money of the 
state, 9 acres of land, 3 quarters and 9 rods of land, beginning 
on the west side of DeKay's mill pond, &c. (Note.) 

Those deeds conveyed in all 90 acres, 3 roods, and 31 rods for a total 
consideration of 300 pounds. 

There was a house on the property before the present one was built, 
but its location cannot be told with certainty; one of the deeds. No. 3 above 
refers to the place of beginning as being two rods from William E. Baird's 
house, and another No. 2 as beginning on the west side of the creek, below 
William E. Baird's house. Probably it stood not far from the present 
house and it may have been on part of the same foundation. These old 
deeds refer to DeKay's mill pond, which would imply that there had been 
a mill there in his time. 

This house was begun in 1S09 and was probably completed in idio, as 
that date appears in the North gable. Who was the builder and where the 
materials came from it is impossible to say; limestone abounds on the 
farm and the stone may have been secured right here. That the house 
was well built is attested by the fact of its splendid condition to-day after 
standing for a century. 

The style is excellent, and we the descendants of this good builder may 
well feel a pride in looking upon it to-day after the storms and stress of 
the hundred years through which it has passed, still finding it as homelike 
and attractive as of old. 

This house has been the scene of many a joy and many a sorrow ; here 
have been born within its walls 16 children; five marriages have been cele- 
brated and many dear ones have had the last sad rites said over their 
l (-mains here. 

(NOTE)— There appears amonjr the title deeds a conveyance from William E. Baird to 
Thomas DeKay of Sussex County. N. J., dated. August 22, 1789, of the four tracts above 
mentioned f«>r tin- consideration of 300 pounds. The property remained his nominal posses- 
sion until Feb. 2) 1S2J. when he or his son re-conveyed the HUM to Nathaniel W. and Abis 
K. Baird. Jr., sons of William K. Baird. deceased, for the eonsid. "ration of $M<>. Whether 
the said Thomas DeKay built the house during this interim it is impossible to say. but judjr- 
inic from the re-conveyance in 1S1M to William's two sons for a nominal consideration, it 
would seem that the Bairds must have continued in possession during the time of this trans- 
fer and built the house and made other improvements on the farm. The Thomas IVKay to 
whom the conveyance was made may have been the fat her-in-law of the mid William, hut 
the conveyance Iwiek to Nathaniel W and Ahia F. must have been by his son The father - 
m l.iw .lied in 1810 

[Sixteenth] 




FRANCES AMELIA HA1RD SANFORD 
L827 L91J 



William Eagles Baird died in 1814, aged 49 years, having had ten chil- 
dren, eight of whom survived him and his widow Sarah DeKay Baird. He 
left a will dated, April 24, 18 14, probated on July 8th of that year, where- 
in he leaves all of his real estate to his two sons, Nathaniel Wheeler and 
Abia Francis, charged with the payment of certain legacies to his wife and 
daughters. Nathaniel Wheeler Baird and Thomas Sproull were named as 
executors. The will directed that testator's daughter Jane Ann should be 
supported from his real estate during the time she lived a single life. 

An inventory of his personal estate made by Gilbert Wheeler and 
James Wheeler appraisers on July 23, 1814, amounted to $783.45. Among 
other things enumerated are 3 horses ($80), 4 cows ($90), 9 hogs ($28), 2 
heifers; 30 shocks of wheat; 20 do rye; wagons, harness; 45 lbs wool ($25), 
bed linen ($36.95), table linen ($25), feather beds, bedding, &c. ($40), 
wooden clock ($25), 3 fiddle back chairs; 6 Windsor chairs, andirons, &c. 

This homestead, on the death of William Eagles, passed into the 
ownership of his two sons, Nathaniel Wheeler and Abia Francis Baird, 
(designated as Junior to distinguish from his uncle Abia Francis, the 
lawyer.) 

On February 3, 1824, Abia Francis Baird, Jr., and Lany Forshee, his 
wife, conveyed their right, title and interest in this homestead to Nathaniel 
W. Baird for the consideration of $1000. From Warwick they went to 
Montezuma, in Cayuga County in this state. Nine children were born 
to them. (See appendix. ) Abia Francis died on July 16, 1848, and is 
buried with his wife at Mentz, in the same county. 

Nathaniel Wheeler Baird married Abigail Denton, a daughter of 
Samuel and Juliana Roe Denton, and by her had eight children (See 
appendix) all of whom were born in this house. Mr. Baird died in 1838, 
leaving his widow and eight children surviving, who continued to live at 
the homestead until they married and left home. Samuel Denton Baird 
bought out the other heirs and continued to reside here until his death in 
1892. His son William Parks Baird bought out the shares of his brothers 
and sister in 1907, and is now the present owner of the homestead and our 
host to-day. 

Nathaniel Wheeler Baird served in the War of 1812, and was known 
as Captain Baird. His son, Charles Roe Baird, served in the N. Y. 71st 
Regt. Co. I, in the War of the Rebellion. 

Finally, in reviewing the history of this ancient family, since the 
advent of the pioneer, Francis, nearly 150 years ago, I find that it has 
made a record of which we may well be proud. The family has increased 
and multiplied many fold. 

Nearly 150 invitations w r ere sent out to summon the kinsmen to this 
celebration. The descendants live in many different states — in New York, 
New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts. Illinois, Michigan, California and 
Washington. 

Responses and regrets have been received from many. Some have 
come from afar to participate in these festivities. 

One lady, Mrs. Frances Amelia Baird Sanford, returns to her birth- 
place to day, with the weight of 83 years resting upon her, to unite with us 

[Seventeenth] 



and her only surviving brother William Henry Baird. both of the fourth 
generation, in this centennial. 

Descendants of Margaret Baird, the wife of Joseph Walling, deceased, 
are with us in large numbers. Descendants of Abia Francis Baird of the 
fifth generation, have traversed this great state to be present. Many 
others are here of the fifth, sixth and even seventh generations. 

To each and all of these beloved kinsmen, who are with us, either in 
spirit or in person, we bid a hearty welcome. 

While the Baird sons and daughters may not have achieved any 
special distinction in state or national affairs, they have, I believe, been 
worthy citizens, acting well their part in the drama of life. Industry and 
thrift have been at least two prime characteristics. That they or two of 
them, were master-builders, is evidenced by the fact of the two houses, al- 
ready referred to, standing today after the lapse of 150 and 100 years 
respectively. 

The Baird women should not be forgotten and are entitled to special 
praise. They have been noble and fruitful mothers, and their children 
rise up to-day and call them blessed. 



[Bifhterath] 




NATHANIEL W STIN B URD 
L844 1906 



APPENDIX 

William Eagles Baird's Descendants. 

Nathaniel Wheeler Baird, b July 31, 1787; d April 7, 1838; m Abigail Den- 
ton; b Nov. 5, 1798; d Aug. 23, 1879. 
Julia, b d m Thomas E. DeKay. 

William Nathaniel, b d 

John, b June 4, 1820, d April 12, 1906; m Oct. 27, 1841, Mary DeKay, b 
April 26, 1823; d July 7, 1905. 
Nathaniel Austin, b June 25, 1844; d Aug. 20, 1906; m Jan. 18, 

1871, Clara Benedict. 
William Lawrence, b April 2, 1872; m July 7, 1897, Elizabeth 

King. 
Ernest A., b Oct. 23, 1873; m Dec. 21, 1898, Elizabeth Hill. 

Ruth, b Nov. 21, 1899; d July 19, 1900. 
Howard M., b Oct. 14, 1875; m Oct. 27, 1905, Eva Longworthy; 

d May 13, 1907. 

m (2) Dec. 12, 191 1, Jessie Evans. 
John C, b July 17, 1880; m March 18, 1906, May Sayer. 
Mabel D., b March 30, 1882; m Feb., 1911, Warren S. Green. 
Percy M., b Nov. 9, 1885; m Oct. 25, 1909, Ruth Leonard. 

Howard Leonard, b Sept. 21, 1910. 
Julia, b April 7, 1846; d June 21, 1880; m Feb. 6, 1867, John W. 

Houston. 
Floyd Reeves, b Feb. 20, 1868; m Nov. 18, 1896, Clara T, 
Warner, b Oct. 2, 1871. 

Floyd D., b Sept. 4, 1899. 

Mildred, b Sept. 10, 1901. 

John R., b Nov. 10, 1903. 
George, b Dec. 18, 1869; m (1) Abigail L.Wood, Feb. 28, 1889. 

Julia E., b May 18, 1890. 

Clara, b June 5, 1891 ; d Oct. 10, 1891. 

Myra, b Dec. 16, 1892. 

m (2) Oct. 15, 1903, Alice M. Witherell. 
James C, b Feb. 6, 1872; m June 30, 1896, Florence Helena 

Williams ; no children. 
Frank S., m Lottie Hutchinson. 

Mary. 

Clara. 
Clara, b March 3, 1873; m March 23, 1904, Edgar A. Houston. 

Oliver Allen, b May 1, 1905. 

James Carr, b April 3, 1908. 

Margaret. 
Mary F., b May 30, 1848; d April, 1908; m Feb, 6, 1867. 
Thomas B. Stewart, 
Mary, m Feb. 9, 1888, James B. Laroe. 

Helen. 

Stewart. 

Clifford Baird. 

Mark K. 

John Seeger. 
Julia, m June 5, 1895, Frank Laroe, 

Lorna. 

Frank W. 

Mary Winifred. 

[Nineteenth] 



Samuel J., m Annie Lane. 
Anna. 
Marion. 
Julia. 
Helen. 
Samuel. 
Durland. 
Thomas. 
Isaac Sharpe, b July 14, 1850; m (1) Oct. 13, 1873, Mary 
Frances Cole; d Sept. 25, 1877. 
Anna M., b Jan. 30, 1875; m Oct. 22, 1896, Jacob Calhoun. 
Bertha, b Feb. 25. 1877; d 
m (2) Mary Eleanor Benedict. 
Thomas Blain, b Aug. 4, 1852; d Sept. 15. 1882; m Mary L. 
Utter. 
Thomas, m Ella Vance. 
Maud, m J. William Coates. 
Emma May. 
Charles William. 
Mary E. 
Grace B. 
George E. 
Ernest T. 
John Henry, m July 22, 1882, Minnie W. Posten. 

Wilbur C., b Feb. 9, 1884; m June 9. 1906. Anna Reardon. 
Julia Helena, b Feb. 9. 1888; d Aug. 25, 1S8S. 
Nellie, b March 15, 1889; m June 21, 1910, William Gleeson. 
Ralph, b Aug. 28. 1892. 
Mildred, b Jan. 10, 1895. 
Harold, b Sept. 26, 1896. 
Clara Alice, b Aug. 31, 1899. 
John H., b June 14, 1905. 
Samuel W., b July 15, 1856; d Jan. 21, 1881. 
Clara, b Aug. 29, 1858; d Aug. 14, 1881. 
Sarah C, b Aug. 3, i860. 

m (1) Dec. 22, 1880, James H. Bertholf. 
Charles E., b Nov. 13, 18S2. 
Mary J., b Dec, 16, 18S5. 
Fred K.. b Sept. 1, 1887; d April 23, 1894 
m (2) Dec. 30, 191 1, Adam Jackowska. 
Fannie, b Feb. 24, 1864; d April i3, 1864. 
Samuel Denton Baird. b Oct. 10. 1S22; d Nov. rg, 1S92. 
m (1) June 9. 1866, Susie Montross; d. 
Abby, b June 7, 1S67; d July 15, 1868. 
m (2) July 9, 1875, Sarah Parks. 

Susan, b Oct. 13, 1876; m Oct. 13, 1900, Pierre S. Demerest. 
Samuel Denton, b March 2, 1878. 

Nathaniel Wheeler, b July 29, 1879; ni Oct. 2, 1909, Adalyn L. 
Aekerman. 
Nathaniel A., b March, 191 1. 
William Parks, b Feb, 11, 1SS1; m March 17, 1909. AnnaM. Javne. 
Fred J., b March 7, 1SS3, 
George Mapea, b Dec. 4. 1885. 
Mary Baud, b Jan. 15. 1825; d March 16, 1S95; m Nov. 19. 1844, 
Ogden Howell. 
Sidney Ogden, b March 19, 1847; m July 31, r*78, Nellie M. Post. 
lames Ogden, b Oct. 2. 1879; d Feb. 1$. 1 
Randolph Churchill, b Sept. 17, 1SS4: m Feb. 19, 1910. May 

Waterbury. 

Ogden LewU, 

f Twentieth] 



Susan, b Sept. 30, 1849; m Dec. 28. 1870, Gilbert P. Hopkins. 

Bertha, b Sept. 27, 1871; d March 18, 1883. 

Mary, b Sept. 3. 1876; d Sept. 4, 1876. 

James S , b Jan. 12, 1886. 
Mary Meeker, b March 20, 1852. 

Charles Baird, b Sept. 17, 1855; d March 19, 1909; m Sept. 26, 
1888, Susan Pierson. 

George Gouge, b Jan. 9, 1890. 

Anna Craft, b May 20. 1891 ; d Jan. 14, 1896. 

Russell Bull, b April 4, 1893. 

Bertha, b Dec. 12, 1895. 

Charles Baird, b Nov. r6, 1897. 

Elizabeth, b Oct. 6, 1900. 

Pierson Beyea, b May 19, 1903. 

John Archer, b June 24, 1905. 

Marion, b April 30, 1909. 
Elizabeth H., b June 25, 1858; m June 25, 1884, William H. Wyker. 

Helen Ludlum, b Jan. 13, 1887; d June 28, 1887. 

Alfred Ogden, b May 3, 1891. 
Samuel Denton, b Apr. 20. 1861: d Jan. 23. 1863, 
Albert Crane, b Aug. 28, 1862; d Feb. 5, 1863. 
Daniel Webster, b Dec. 16, 1863; d Sept. 3, 1864. 
Frances Amelia, b April 15, 1827; d Jan 26, 1911; m Jan. 28, 1847, 

George W. Sanford, b Nov. 5, 1821; d Jan. 6, 1900. 
Lansing Haight, b Oct. 18, 1848; d Sept. 23, 1900. 

m (1) 1871, Mary Phelps Cooper. 

Mary Bessi<\ b July 3, 1873; in Edward Wheeler Everett. 

m (2) Nellie Murdock, no children. 
Nathaniel Baird, b July 4, 1850; d May 27, 1851. 
Ezra, b Nov. 19, 1854; d Jan. 2. 1855. 

Ferdinand Van Derveer, b April 19, 1856; m April 14, 1885, 
Rowena Herrick. 

George Herrick, b Jan. 30, 1886; d Jan 1, 1890. 

Ferdinand Doan, b Mar. 1, 1888. 

Marion Burt, b Oct. 7, 1890. 

]ohn Alden, b Feb, 20. 1893. 
Vinthrop, b Feb. 22, 1896. 

William Wendover, b Sept. 28, 1904; d Oct. 18, 1907. 
George Alden, b Nov. 30, 1858 

m (1) Sarah E. Gouldy, Feb.. 1887; d July 5, 1897. 

m (2) Helen Gillespie, May 25, 1907. 
Alden Gillespie, b. Dec. 24, 1910. 
Mary Elizabeth, b Jan. 20, 1861; m April 1909, Frank Elswortb 

Smith. 
John Wheeler, b May 13. 1864; m Oct, 6, 1897, Bertha Furman. 

Frances Isabel, b Feb. it. 1900. 

Bertha Elizabeth, b Jan. 29, 1905. 

John Wheeler, b Jan. 8, 1910. 
Francis Baird, b Oct. 30, 1871; m Nov. 30, 1898, Sarah Welling. 

Mary Bessie, b Jan. 15, 1903. 

Helen, b March 10, 1909. 
Sarah Louise, b May 11, 1830; d June 22, 1909; m Oct. 31, 1852, 

Thomas J. Taylor, (1828-1910.) 
Margaret, b Sept. 17. 1853; m Oct. 1, 1874. DeWitt J. Parkhurst, 
(1850-1903) „■-,.« 

Floyd V., b July 18, 1875: m Jan. 29, 1903, Evangeline Roe. 
Mildred Evangeline, b Jan. 5, 1904. 

Sara E.. b Nov. 23, 1878. 

Lewis D., b March 11, 1882. 

Christina T., b Jan. 31, 1884 ; d Aug. 2, 1884. 

[Twenty-first] 



Jo 
W 



Mary J., b April 13, 1886. 

Frances M„ b Oct. 22, 188S; d Jan. 9, 1889. 

Tbomas T„ b July 26. 1S90. 
Mary Abbey, b June 3. 1857; d Dec. 2r, 1957. 
Charles Baird, b Oct. 25, 1858; m Sept. 6, 1905. Rose F. Bremer. 
Morrison, b Jan 6, 1862; m (1) Feb. 25, 1892. Martha J. Howell, 
( 1 863- 1 909. ) 

Howell, b Oct. 28, 1893. 

Sarah C., b Aug. 8. 1895. 

m (2) March 23, 191 1. Alberta Sturr. 
William Chauncey, b Oct. 31, 1863; m Jan. 5, 1893, Matilda A. 
Kale, b Feb. 11, 1869. 

Chauncey Vincent, b Nov. 24, 1893. 

Francis, b May 14, 1896. 

Thomas J., b May 2, 1898. 

William M., b April 18, 1900. 

Margaret Mary, b May 7, 1902. 

Charles Baird, Jr., b Feb. 7, 1904. 

Rose Marie, b June 18, 1909. 
Sara Christina, b Jan. 30. 1S65; m Oct. 22, 1891, William V. Stun. 

Mary E.. b May 29. 1893. 

Walter E., b Aug. 5. 1895. 
William Henry, b Jan. 10, 1834; in (1) July, 1861, Laura E. Gibbs; 

d 1866. 
Cora Abby, b July 24, 1S62; d 1896; m 1883, Leonard. 

One child died in infancy. 

m (2) Mary Lameroux. 
Charles Roe, b Sept. 13, 1836; d March 10, 1901 ; m Anna M. 

Jayne, Feb. 27, 1S62. 
Lillian, b March 15, 1863; m Nov. 26, 1884, Edward N. K. 
Talcott. 

Ralph Kmerson, b May 11, 1S86. 

Harry B ixton. b July 9, 1888. 

Dorothy Baird. b Dec. 16, 1894. 
Minnie Christine, b Nov. 23, 1864. 

Charles Seely, b April 12, 1875; m Jan. 17, 1899, Elizabeth Mae 
VanHouten. 

Ruth Louise, b Feb. 11, T900. 



Mary (Polly) Baird, b March 17, 1790; d June 9, 1S36; m Thomas 
Hathorn Burt. 

William Baird, b Dec. 13, 1810; d Sept. 17, 1853; m Eliza Rickey. 
William, b April 20, 1836; d Nov. 23, 1S37. 
Thomas, b April 14, 1839; d Oct. 10, 1854. 
Abbie, b Aug. 19. 1842; m 1862, James Gilmore. 
Burt, twice m 

Helen, child by first wife; d. 
William, m Agnes Latimer. 

One child; d. 
Roscoe. 
McFarland. 

James, m Lilian Knoblock. 
Helen; d. 

Tease. 

William R , b Nov. 24. 1850; B 1876, Susan Turner. 
M.irv J., t) An;.;. JO, 1 §70^ 
George DeKay, b March 7. 1813; d Jan. iS. 1S53; m Marv Hamil- 
ton. 

[ Iwrni \ sr<-<MKl I 



Francis H., b Oct. 24, 1839; d Jan. 23, 1890; m 1859, Marian 
Hollenbeck. 
George, m Harriet Baker. 
Ina, m Frank Botts. 
Leslie. 

Floyd Merton. 
Ada. 
Austin. 
Nellie, m Claude Wallace. 

Clifford. 
Anna May, ra Wells Hewitt. 
Marian. 
Anna M., b March 27, 1847; d m William Ewell. 
Eva. 

Frank, m Alice Tucker. 
Burt. 
Glenn. 
William. 
Henry. 
Sarah Maria, b Aug. 3. 18 16; d Dec. 19. 1902; m Ira Townsend. 
Thomas Albert, b Oct. 12, 1839; d Sept. 24, 1861. 
Mary J., b Sept. 16, 1843; m N. M. Wellman. 
Albert, b April 30, 1867; m Laura Smith. 
George, b Sept. 4, 1888. 
William, b Oct. 7, 1890. 
Amy, b 1893; d 1895. 
Anna, b May 19. 1895. 
Lloyd, b Jan., 1897. 
Howard, b July 2, 1899. 
Lewis, b Sept,, 1901. 
Chauncey, b July 3, 1906. 
Kenneth, b Aug. 7, 1907. 
Adelaide E., b June 24, 1876; m Ira Milroy. 
Theron W., b June 16, 1901. 
Albert E., b March 16, 1904. 
Winifred, b June 21, 1878; m C. W. McKeever. 
George Durell, b April 25, 1850; m Mary Grant. 
Jane Ann, b Oct, 9, 1818; d Jan. 19, 1895. 
m (1) Alexander MacFarland. 
m (2) Matthias Crowner. 
Thomas Richard, (unmarried.) 

Abia Francis Baird, b Sept. 3, 1792; d July 16. 1848; m Lany Forshee, 
Mary Jane, b Feb. 11, 1826; d Dec. 29, 1868; m John C. Morrison 
May 6, 1852. 
John Baird, b 1853; d 1853. 

Lany A., b Aug. 6, 1855; m Sept. 26, 1890, George Caswell. 
Martha A., b April 2, 1858; m Jan. 30, 1878, Lyman B Fres- 
hour. 
Harry, b March 10, 1880; m March 5, 1902, Julia Belle 
Miner. 
Lyman Baird, b May 19, 1903. 
Martha Lillian, b March ir, 1906. 
Archibald Hector, b July 27, i860; d Aug. 21, 1881. 
Mary Frances, b May 25, 1862; m Oct. 18, 1882, Seymour 
Freshour. 
Frank, b May 20, 1885; m June 27, 1908, Blanche Roar- 
beck. 
Esther Louise. 

[Twenty-third] 



Herbert T., b April 10, i860; m Feb. 22, 1889, AllieSouthwick 

Mabel, b Jan, 10, 1890. 

Myrtle, b June 22, 1892. 

Martha, b Aug. 30. 1895. 

Lany Frances, b April 21, 1897. 
Catharine Baird, b Jan. u, 1S28; m Oct. 24, 1848, Philip Martin. 
Nettie, b Oct. 17. 1849; d Oct. 30. 1 85 r. 
Frank Baird, b Dec. 17. 1852; m April 2, 1874, Addie Caldwell. 

Iva Hannah, b April 30, 1875. 
Clara Edith, b July 29. 1864, m Oct. 10, 1893, Alfred Baber. 

Catherine Augusta, b Jan. 11, 1898. 

Philip Edmund, b May 2, 1902. 
John F., b Jan. 14, 1830; d Sept, 21, 1899; m July 23, 1857, Mary 

V. Hicks. 
James, b May 6, 1858; d Jan. 25, 1893; m Sept. 1, 1891. Lillie 
G. Porter. 

Grace Vivian, b May 24, 1892. 
Christina E., b April 7, i860; d Oct. 31, 1864. 
Charles F., b Dec. 25. 1865; m Nov. 28, 1S90, Cora V. Young. 

Thomas J., b Aug. 24, 1891. 

Ralph G , b Feb. 23, 1893. 

Lucy Alice, b Dec. 25. 1894. 

Abram L., b March 7, 1897. 

Esther Nora, b Jan. 27, 1899. 

Laura, b Jan. 28, 1901; d Sept. 15, 1902. 

Lester Jess, b April n. 1904. 

Troy C, b Aug. 3, 1908. 
Mary Catherine, b Oct 21, 1868; d May 15, 1871. 
Frank T.. b Oct. 28. 1874; d Dec. 4. 1S97. 

Marv Catherine, b March 12, 1877; m Feb. 28, 1903, J. A. 
Heathfield. 
Sarah Baird. b March 12. 1832; m Dec. 28, 1853, Andrew Jackson 

Sanders; d Dec. 7, 1888. 
Arthur M , b Oct. 3, 1854; d Feb., 1905; m June 16, 1S80, 
Emma F. Wheeler. 

Frances Wheeler, b Dec. 10, 1887; d Dec. 13. 

Mary Louise, b Oct. 21, 1SS9. 

Marjory Ward, b Oct. 20, 1S90. 

Arthur Llewellyn, b Aug. 30, 1891; d Jan. 3, 1896. 

Avery Wheeler, b Feb. 9, 1894. 

Emma Morse, b Oct. 31, 1S95; d March 1, 1896. 
Mary Ardilla. b July 23, 1856. 
Francis Abner, b Nov. 17, 1858; m Jan., 1883, Alice Wallace. 

Marion Wallace, died in infancy. 

Frances Marie, b May 11, 1886; m April, 1906, Robert J. 
Little. 

Mildred Sarah, b Dec. 27. 1893. 
Katherine Gertrude, b June 2. 1861. 
Jane Baird. b Sept. 26, 1864. 
Frances Helen, b Oct. 15, 1866; rn June 18. 1895. William 

Claude Jirdinston. 
Llewellvn Jackson, b Oct. 27, 1872; m June 19, 1901, Grace 
Wilkins, 

Arthur Jackson, b Feb. 27. IOII. 
David Baird, b Sept. 16. 1834; d May 9, 1901 ; m Jan. 7. 1866, Lu- 

cretia A. Green. 

Kate, b Oct. 4. ifl 

Fannie, b May 10. 1S6S; m June 12, 1899. Leonard Josiah Ben- 
nett. 
Alexin, I) Dec. 31. IQO7. 

[Twrntv f.uirlh] 




W II.I.l AM HLA1N 



Claud, b Feb. 23, 1875. 

Rhea, b Nov. 6, 1895. 
Ray, b Nov. 26, 1877. 

Thomas Benton Baird, b Feb. 8, 1837; d May 30, 1898; m Ellen 

Nellie, b July 12. 1867; m April 11, 1893. Robert G. Williams, 

Henry. 

Laura. 
Laura, b Jan. 14, 1877. 
Martin VanBuren Baird, b Jan. 2, 1841; m Feb. 6, 1862, Cynthia 

A. French. 
Anna, d 1864. 
Myrta, b April 16, 1865; m Nov. 1, 1893, Ernest Litchfield. 

Josepaine, b Aug. 10, 1897. 
Sarah, b Oct. 16, 1867; m April 23, 1887, Adelbert Litchfield. 

Leigh, b Sept 21, 1890. 

Louis, b Dec. 23, 1895. 

Mary Esther, b Nov. 25, 1897. 
Ned, b April 8, 1870; m Sept. 6, 1908, Violet Nensel. 
Martin W., b May 17, 1879; m May 7, 1910, Emma Dapha. 
William Baird, b Nov. 9, 1842; m 1865, Carrie Emerick. 
Nettie, m and had two children. 
Frank. 
An infant that died in 1874. 



Frances Baird, b Aug. 4, 1800; d March 10, 1889; m Dec. 28, 1820, 
Abia Blain. 
William, b Sept. 30, 1821 ; d March 5, 1889; m Sept. 30, 1851, 
Helen Center; b July 13, 1832; d July 4, 1910. 
Fannie M., d Nov. 6, 1867. 

Theron K., b Aug. 30, 1853; m Laura C. McDowell. 
Helen Emily, b Dec. 27, 1878. 
Hortense, b Sept. 30, 1881 ; m Feb. 4, 1908, Albert B. 

Koehler. 
Gladys Eliza, b May 12, 1902. 
Ida W., b Nov. 14, 1855; m Henderson Fugate. 

William Blaine, b Oct. 12, 1881. 
Nathaniel A., b Nov. 18, 1859; m Elizabeth Bargeman. 
George Adolph, b July 10, 1909. 
Sarah Jane, b July 10, 1824; d Feb. 28, 1887; m Sept. 17, 1846, 

Henry Lovejoy. 
Elizabeth, b July 22, 1826; d Dec. 10, 1836. 
Pauline, b May 27, 1832; d Jan. 5, 1842. 
Christina, b Oct. 30, 1835; d Jan. 19, 1866; m William Zeek. 
Cynthia, b Aug. 29, 1828; m Sept. 23, 1852, George Howland. 
Abia. d Jnne 18, 1885. 

Christina Eliza, b March 17, 1809; d Oct. 7, 1896; m Jan. 25, 1842, 
David H. Barclay; b April 10, 1801; d March 30, 1879. 
Anna J., b Feb. 3, 1844; d Aug. 27, 1893. 
Robert, b March 16, 1846; d Aug. 24, 1847. 
David, b Dec. 29, 1848. 



[Twenty-fifth] 



Margaret Baird Waiting's Descendants. 

Francis Baird Walling was twice married. 

i. Margaret Perry, b Jan., 1791 ; d Jan. 27, 1831 ; by whom he had ten 
children, viz: 
Joseph, b 1809; d m Margaret Campbell, b 1810; d 1880. 

One son, John C, b 1830; d 

George T. , m Miss Edwards. 
Albert, m Millient Horton. 
Joseph, m Hannah Vail. 
Maggie C, m Gabriel Sayer. 
Carrie T., m John Lattimer. 
John. 
Catharine, m Nathan Campbell. 
John W. 

m (1) Anna Ryerson. 
m (2) Delia Ryerson. 
Anna. 
John. 
Kittie. 
Herbert. 
Jennie. 
Nathan. 
Delia. 
Margaret, m Silas C. Young. 
Emma, m Charles Gale. 
Kate, m Charles Vernon. 
Jennie. 
Sally, m Robert T. Martin. 
Catharine. 
Joseph. 
Frank. 
Celia. 
Nathan. 
Vincent P., m Jane Tompkins. 
Malinda, m Abram McMann. 
Eva. 
Minnie. 
Margaret, m 1. Dewitt Slaughter. 
Jennie, m Edward Sergeant. 
Marion, 
jay. 

Marjory, 
(irate, m Jason Lay ton. 
Vincent. 
Francis, m Margaret Peacock. 

Eva. 
Mary, m Lester White. 
Vincent. 
Maynard. 
Hester. 
John Thompson, b March to, 1813; d Aug. 31. 1404. 

m Abigail Ryerson. Dec 24, 18451b d May 15, 1900 

Brice P., b Nov. 2, 184(1; d Feb., igio. 
m (1) Sarah Blauvclt. 
Brice P. 

m (2) Jennie Vandrnff, 

Nicholas Ryerson, 1> Jan. J. 1 849; in Jan. jo, 1877. 
in Marv Elizabeth Knapp, b Oct. 10 1847. 

[Twenty-sixth ] 



James, b 1879; d March 27. 1881. 
Anna M., b Dec. 25, 1881. 
Henry, b Aug. 3, 1889. 
George H., b Feb. 7, 1851; m Julia A. Walling. 

(See descendants below. ) 
Francis, b Aug. 13, 1853; d Feb. 15. 1854. 
John R., b Aug. 3, 1855; m Lucy E. Bull. 
Edyth Lucille, b June 30, 1876. 
Sarah Abigail, b Dec, 1879. 
Matilda Jane, b July 13, 1882. 
Anna Delia, b Nov. 30, 1857; m William Seely. 
Elizabeth Munson. 
Almeda. 
Anna. 
Ruth. 
Elizabeth M., b March 10. i860; m June 24, 1885, FredW. 
Wilson. 
Caroline A., b 1888; d 1896. 
Lillian, b 
Amos M., b Dec. 25, 1862; d March 13, 1886. 
Charles F., b June 14, 1866: m Minnie Clark. 
Hannah, m Frederick Gulick. 
Abia F., m Jane Ryerson. 

John R., m Fannie Brown. 
Charles. 
Helen. 
Ruth. 

Clinton Adams. 
Frank, m Carrie Bennett. 
Bennett. 
Catherine. 
Anna, m Ebenezer Bull. 
Brice P. 

m (1) Louisa Andrews, 
m (2) Jane Harriet Schofield. 
Meta, m Thomas E. Lyde. 

Marguerite, m Ferdinand Hubert. 
Elizabeth W,, m George Minster. 
George Walling. 
Henry Schofield. 
William. 

m (1) Mrs. Jones, 
m (2) Susan McBride Philby. 
Flora. 

Agnes, m George W. McElroy. 
Walling. 
Julia. 
Katherine, m John Runyon. 
Mildred. 
Mrs. Mary Van Court. (Sister of Gov. John Wilcox. ) 
b July, 1798; d Feb. 29, 1872. 

Julia, b Aug. 4, 1834; d Aug. 24, 1853. 
Harriet, b Feb. 3, 1827; d May 8, 1854. 
Mary, m Alfred Carling; no descendants. 
Almeda, b Nov., 1841; d Jan., 1899; m Chauncey 
Millspaugh, 1866. 
Frank W., b March, 1869; m Helen Edsall. 
George, b 1871. 
Henry C, b Nov. 17, 1843; d July 21, 1872; m April 12, 
1866, Sarah J. Sayre; b Oct. 26, 1843. 

[Twenty-seventh] 



Frank, b July 19, 1867, d April 12, 1372. 
Julia A., b July 19, 1S68; m March 6, 1901, George H. 
Walling. 

Susan Elizabeth, b Jan. 26. 1902. 

George Washington, b April 19, 1903. 

Francis Emily, b May 15. 1904. 

Charles Henry, b Jan. 18, 1906. 

Julia Marjorie. b Feb. 8, 1907. 

John, b April 31. 1908; d July 2, 1908. 
Frances Emily, b Dec. 27, 1870; m Feb. 5, 1896, John 
W. Welch; b Dec. 13, 1865. 

Ralph Sayre, b June 5, 1897. 

Sarah E., b March 24, 1899. 

Marguerite, b May 13, 1901. 



^ 



(Twent v-«*iK*»th] 



&m& FlRAMfc&S B/ua&5 




if"* 4- *' 







ABIA FRANCIS BAIRD 

AN APPRECIATION. 

BY KATHERINE GERTRUDE SANDERS. 

I. 
A young man wandered, weak and weary, 
Through a country wild and eerie, 
O'er many a plain and woodland 
Of which he had heard before. 
While he walked on, never napping, 
Suddenly he heard a tapping, 
And it set his pulses rapping 
As they ne'er had done before. 
Only this, and nothing more. 
This it was and nothing more. 

II. 

"Is this a portent, a thing of evil ? 

Surely it is not the devil ! " 

Said the youth, as peering through. the 

Brambles which his clothing tore. 

"Ah, I see a path of yellow, 

T'is a nicker, gorgeous fellow, 

In his own peculiar bellow, 

Tapping at his own front door. 

Only that, and nothing more." 

Yes, 'twas that, and nothing more. 

III. 
With his senses keenly shaken, 
New impulses began to waken, 
And this bird of brilliant plumage 
Seemed to o'er his fancies pour 
Such a strange, peculiar feeling 
That it sent him fairly reeling, 
As the bird was slowly wheeling 
Toward the Hudson's western shore. 
This he did, and nothing more. 
He did this, and nothing more. 

IV. 
This same act he kept repeating, 
Kept revolving, kept retreating, 
As if beckoning the young man 
Toward the land of Indian lore. 
Something seemed within him calling, 
Just as Newton's apple falling, 
And Columbus' boats were hauling 
Those great men where surges roar. 
This he felt, and nothing more. 
He felt this, and nothing more. 

V. 

The chandelier at Pisa swinging 
Set great Gallileo flinging 
Far across the world of Science 
Pacts that ne'er were dreamed before. 

[Twenty-ninth] 



So this in > tii. 01 something otbei . 

Made my grandad leave his mother. 
Leave his sisters and his brother, 
Made his own and their hearts sore. 
For this something, something more. 
Unaccountable, something more. 

VI. 
Abia Francis Baird's obsession 
Was to gain some new possession. 
Cayuga County was far western 
Land of wild uncanny lore, 
Where the Indians were trying. 
And were very often sighing 
That their customs were all dying 
Which they'd used for ages o'er. 
But were using never more. 
Never, never, never more. 

VII. 

Still they often were exciting, 
Were quite partial to igniting 
Many strange and curious brands which 
Scared and burned to the heart's core. 
Grandma told of this one story, 
Which suggests the wierd and gory, 
And would make the hair grow hoary. 
Should it happen ever more. 
But it ceased long years before. 
Ceased forever, ever more. 

VIII. 
Indian traders had been dealing. 
With the best of friendly feeling, 
And exclaimed upon the goodnesa 
Of our people at their door. 
Grandma said "This kindly feeling 
Soon may set your senses reeling, 
And your ever moving wheeling Braves 
May once more thirst for gore. 
And may kill us ever more. 
Kill us all for ever more," 

IX. 
"No, kind lady," said the Bpeahei . 
And her pretty voice grew weaker. 
As she thought of all the kindness 
Which she had received before. 
"No," she said, with bright eyes mapping, 
While bet fool was gently tapping, 
"I, myself, would kill you napping." 
And she smiled at thoughts of gore. 
Thoughts of deeds forever o'er. 
This she said and nothing more. 
X 

Thni it was that life was going, 
win n into Jonesea be came blowing, 

Our gOOd gran. lad. with adventures 

Whu-ii be in the ear vroald pour. 

•\l the new i ana! he wondered ' 

Yes, his stage-coach had been plundered 

tad the brigandeat them thundered 



Made attempts upon their store; 
But got their purses, nothing more. 
Only purses, nothing more. 

XI. 

He boasted that he feared no raiders 
Among the Indians or traders, 
Nor of any strange and dangerous 
Wild beasts, with an awful roar. 
Naught he cared for any danger, 
Even if he was a stranger, 
He could meet with any ranger; 
Of his prowess great he swore. 
But smiled upon them, nothing more. 
Sweetly smiled and said no more. 

XII. 
Thus he boasted to his people. 
Thus much higher than a steeple, 
Went his plans and great ambitions, 
And almost his hair he tore, 
As he told of all the rappings, 
Of his visions, and the tappings, 
Of the flicker and his snappings, 
Wheeling, beckoning on before. 
Of the something, something more. 
Strange, wierd and wild something more. 

XIII. 
At this something his brow darkened, 
At its mystery they harkened, 
As he told them how it lured him, 
Led him way from Hudson's shore. 
What it was he had a feeling; 
That he knew not, but a reeling, 
Strange sensation, like the sealing 
Of the fates in days of yore. 
This he felt and nothing more. 
Felt he this, and nothing more. 

XIV. 
Jones, his father's dearest cousin, 
Had resources by the dozen, 
And he took his fine young kinsman 
To his neighbor's open door. 
He was met with cordial greeting. 
And right there he had a meeting, 
Swift and strange, and ever fleeting. 
With a maiden — not Lenore ! 
But Lany Forshee, evermore. 
Only her, and nothing more. 

XV. 
Evermore came the old feeling, 
That strange something; then came reeling 
Into many a strange and unknown corner 
Where he his emotions wore. 
And his heart came nigh to bursting, 
He seemed ever to be thirsting. 
And this thirsting and this bursting 
Ever left him, left him sore. 

| Thirty-first] 



Whs this the something, tomefhing more 
Was it this, the something more? 

XVI. 

Yes it was the same old story ! 

All the prowess, all the glory, 

All the strange and wierd sensations 

Which had led him on before, 

Slowly left him as the lover 

Quietly emerged from cover. 

Was there ever such another 

Since the long lost days of yore ? 

In search of something, something more? 

Of the great, good something more. 

XVII. 
Yes, the story was a dear one, 
Like all others, meant to cheer one, 
When the youth and maiden marry, 
And live happy evermore. 
Those young lovers were well mated. 
All unworthy things they hated. 
But they ever were ill fated, 
For the shams of many more, 
Came to see them by the score. 
To stay if asked, forever more. 

XVIII. 
In Wolcott was their humble dwelling, 
And their hearts with love were swelling. 
And in time by thrift and patience 
They "had basket and had store" 
Grandma had a way of blinking 
As she saw her husband thinking, 
And felt that his heart was sinking, 
As he thought of days of yore 
Of his home near Hudson's shore. 
In Warwick were his thoughts of yore. 

XIX. 

Aunt Fannie Blaine lived in that region. 
On that account and reasons legion, 
Known to those who delve in records 
Of Wayne County's mystic lore, 
These first years were very pleasing. 
Then Cousin Jones began his teasing. 
In Cayuga County all were seizing, 
Land along the Erie's shore, 
The new canal would treasures pour 
With Montezuma's land boom roar. 

XX. 

But then cues we iv \i i v many, 
And it cost them many ■ penny 
To provide for their small household. 
And necessities galore, 
Children eame and kept on cmniiiK, 
Ami it kej>t them sh.uplv humming, 
Kept them figuring and summing, 
lint the wolf avoid their door 
And he came not, ever more. 
Never, nevr, nrvei more. 

: Phli • 



XXI. 
'Those were days of sorrows and joys. 
Interspersed with girls and boys." 
For a long time they were worried, 
For of girls they had four, 
And the boys of course were needed 
To help to keep the garden weeded. 
And the pastures to be seeded, 
And to tend to jobs galore. 
For this they were needed evermore. 
Forever needed, ever more. 

XXII. 
Of their fourth girl there's a story, 
Which redounds to grandad's glory. 
For it shows that he was worthy 
Of his fathers gone before. 
It showed clearly his good breeding, 
Generations of fine seeding, 
To produce the virtues needing 
Use to grasp this problem o'er. 
Needed this and nothing more. 
Of essentials, nothing more. 

XXIII. 
To resume my little story, 
And attach the robes of glory, 
Which in time had recognition 
In fine boys, a lusty four. 
Their first boy, William, sickly laddie, 
Grew no larger than the caddy 
So well known to modern faddy, 
Players of a "fulsome score," 
Quite unknown in days of yore. 
Unknown to all in days of yore. 

XXIV. 
He died, then Mary came, a beauty, 
Such a pleasure and a duty, 
Just to get out the old album 
And to look at her once more. 
John, then Catherine good and true. 
With the real Baird eyes of deep blue, 
That could read one through and through, 
To bad children quite a bore. 
Gently chiding, nothing more. 
Good and true forever more. 

XXV. 
Sarah came next in the way, 
Named for Great Grandmother DeKay, 
Could this fact have made, her grown up. 
Best of all gone on before ? 
Best of wives and best of mother*, 
Best to all of her good brothers. 
Best indeed to all the others 
Who enter in her open door ? 
Always welcome, evermore. 
The heart's best welcome, evermore. 

XXVI. 
A sickly boy, three sturdy girls, 
Although their worth outnumbered pearls, 

[Thirty-third] 



Brought unto their loving parents 

their faithful heartstrings tore. 
Boys were what they really needed, 
Boys for which they sorely pleaded, 
And a chance for this succeeded 
In this way right at their door. 
A chance to adopt one for evermore. 
Ves, for ever, ever more. 

XXVII. 

A mother near them had just died. 
Her only riches and her pride 
Were her children, quite a houseful, 
Somewhere near, not quite a score. 
Grandma sent for what they were needing, 
For a boy their hearts were pleading, 
And between the lines were reading 
Plans for future joys in store. 
Joyful plans for evermore. 
Plans of joys, for evermore. 
XXVIII. 
When the fond Abia Francis 
Came back home he seemed in trances. 
For he had within his carriage 
Not a boy, but such a bore ! 
Only a girl with eyes so sunny, 
Really it was very funny ! 
She sat up there like a bunny 
Of B'rer Fox's fantastic lore. 
Only this and nothing more. 
This it was and nothing more. 

XXIX 
Grandad's eyes spoke worlds of sadness. 
Quite dispelling gradma's madness, 
And ae soon as he was able 
He went and talked the matter o'er. 
No one wanted the little lady. 
Her future life seemed very shady ! 
She could work with little Sadie, 
Wipe the dishes, sweep the floor. 
This was needed evermore. 
Needed, ever, ever more. 
XXX 
Urane was the name of this new daughter. 
And the kindly fate which sought her 
Was not unlike the tales of fiction 
Over which we often pour. 
She became a perfect trea.suii- 
It is impossible to measure 

All the belpfnlneei end pleasure 

Which she to food grandma bore, 
Then married a man with goods galore. 
And lived happy e\« t more 

XX\1 
Somewhere in the realms of glorj . 

i iust hop, that thieeweel ttorj 
Has patted on to the good ■tending 
indad on tin- goldea el 

I trust he knows that b Ml ft, 

'Thtrtv-fourthl 



His admirers and dependents 
Vote for him without amendments. 
With a thrill quite sure to score. 
Pride and joy for evermore. 
Yes, for ever, ever more. 

XXXII. 

Afterward came their four boys, 

David and Thomas, perfect joys. 

And because he was a reader 

Of the nation's mystic lore, 

And a Democrat when speaking, 

But I trust not office seeking, 

Martin VanBuren's name came sneaking 

Among the family names galore. 

Then came William, and no more. 

Nine fine children, and no more. 

XXXIII. 

In '61 at the country's calling, 

When in homes the tears were falling, 

Tom and David promptly answered 

As the call came o'er and o'er. 

Dave received a cruel wound, 

And the bullet was not found. 

So he bravely bore it round 

Many years — at least a score, 

Patiently the trial bore 

War's fearful scar, forevermore. 

xxxrv. 

Mother's tales would make me able 
To construct full many a fable, 
And draw out this piece of fancy 
'Till it became a perfect bore. 
How their home became to teachers. 
And to all such funny creatures 
As the itinerary preachers, 
Quite a haven and a store. 
Their real welcome, open door. 
Always welcome, ever more. 

xxxv. 

How good grandad was a trusty 

Manager of schools, and lusty 

Helper in all kinds of goodness, 

Charity, and work galore. 

Made a fortune which was plenty, 

In those days when a good twenty 

Stood for a thousand now, and meant he 

To live on and enjoy his store, 

To enjoy it ever more. 

Yes for many ages o'er. 

XXXVI. 
But at fifty-six he died, 
And 'twas grandma's joy and pride 
To continue grandpa's business 
As he planned it out before. 
For a second farm make payment, 
To provide the food and raiment, 
And to manage, not to lament, 

[Thirty-fifth] 






For the Heavenly golden ibOM 
Hut to join him for ever more. 
To meet forever, ever more 

XXXVII 
I hope I've made this little story 
Half reflect the worldly glory 
Our good Uncle David Barclay 
Gave us Bairds in days of yore. 
When our Uncle Phil he greeted 
With a courtesy well meted, 
Though his wishes were defeated 
To entertain him days galore. 
Homesick he went for evermore. 
Went home and came back no more. 

XXXVIII 

This was Uncle David's greeting 
To his guest as he was meeting 
His wife's kindred in his kindly 
Courteous air of days of yore, 
"You are also of the lucky men, 
Courageous, too, and plucky," 
With a twinkling eye and cluck, he 
Said at Uncle Phil's great roar, 
What we have quoted evermore. 
Yes, forever, ever more. 

XXXIX. 

"You've in the royal family married." 
And his loving eyes long tarried 
On the dear beloved auntie 
Whose sweet life we all adore. 
It is here I leave my ditty, 
Feeling that it's quite a pity 
That it could not be more witty 
To be in keeping with Baird lore. 
But here's to the Bairds for evermore. 
"The Royal Family," evermore. 



Thirty si»th ! 




BALLY CASTLE, IRELAND. 

BY GEORGE ALDEN SANFORD. 

FTER the finished addresses and splendid historical papers which 
we have all so greatly enjoyed, I feel as if I have no contri- 
bution, which is worth while to the pleasure of this hour. How- 
ever, I have been asked to say a word about Bally Castle, which 
I gladly do. 

When a boy, I used to ask where the Bairds came from, and the answer 
was Bally Castle. In after years, I happened one summer to be vacation- 
ing on the Emerald Isle, so I turned my face toward Bally Castle (Town 
of the Castle). Hazy as is the connection between the Baird family and 
Ireland, it is a matter of happiness to me, that there is at least a legendary 
connection. Little wonder that its meadows are so green and bright, for 
no where else does the sun shine so kindly, or showers fall so refreshingly. 
The people too, are the incarnation of optimism and friendliness. Then 
there is the out-cropping of humor, which in the Irish character, as in Ban- 
quo's ghost will not down. "Ye spalpeen" said an irate mother to a small 
child who had accidentally swallowed a button, "I am supposin' that now 
ye won't be satisfied, until ye have swallowed a button hole." Even the 
sad hour of death is sometimes not without its humor. "Bridget," said the 
doctor, "I am sorry to tell you that Patrick is dying by inches." Well 
doctor, replied, Biddy, it is a good thing, Pat is so tall, he is six foot three 
and at that rate, he will last a good while yet." 

My visit to Bally Castle was in i8g8, just when the Spanish-American 
War was on. I remember while riding on the Bally Castle railroad, which 
was a truly huckle-berry affair, of being oblivious to everything while read- 
ing an account of the San Juan battle. At last my paper finished, I was 
brought back to life by laughter and merriment in the car compartment, 
which found its source in a comely Irish girl, whose droll remarks created 
echoes of laughter in the half dozen women of assorted sizes who occupied 
the compartment. At last the young woman, noticing that I was through 
reading, and with a twinkle of fun in her eye addressed me; she said "did 
you notice that hole in the car ceiling?" Looking up 1 noticed the hole 
where the lamp had been removed and which with true Irish thrift had 
been left open. "That she said is the car observatory; from it there is a 
fine view." 

This banter brought out sundry snickerings from my traveling com- 
panions, but when I was gravely informed that an American, who recently 
in taking the view was unable to withdraw his head, because his ears stuck 
out too far, this was received with wild hysterical cackles. I was solemnly 
invited to take the view. It took me a little time to get my bearings, but 
then I realized that here was a young woman, modest and attractive, who 
felt it incumbent on her to entertain strangers passing through her coun- 
try. Upon arriving at her station she shook hands with the women, old 

[Thirty-seventh] 



and young, but when she came to me she hesitated — that was a different 
proposition — but after a moment's hesitation, she said: "Well I may as 
well shake hands with you too, good bye." 

Bally Castle is an indifferent little village of a few hundred people, 
built on either side of a main street, which slide off into potato fields. 
Making my way to the local branch of the Y. M. C. A., 1 inquired of the 
honorary secretary, a lawyer, concerning the Bairds. He informed me 
that Baird was a Scotch and not an Irish name, but that there was one 
local family in the neighborhood. 

The day happened to be a market day, so he left his office with two or 
three waiting clients to try and find the local Mr. Baird. That gentleman 
did not materialize, which ended that search. The fact, however, that I 
found a whole page of Bairds in the Edinburgh directory, also a clan tar- 
tan of the Baird family — "the fighting Bairds" — and the further fact that 
Bally Castle is the nearest seaport to Scotland were all suggestive that 
perhaps the Bairds, like many others from the north of Ireland, came 
originally from Scotland,* and are not to the manor born, but who sailed 
for America from Bally Castle. 

I should here like to pay a brief tribute to three persons whose lives 
have been closely associated in my memory with this old home. First to 
my grandmother, Abigail Denton Baird, whose industry and thrift kept 
her large family together, and whose influence wrought in her children, 
honorable men and women. When I was a boy I did not appreciate her 
industry as now, for my keenest recollections of her were as I would be 
comfortably seated with a book in my hands, she would always suggest 
that either the wood-box was empty or that some other small, insistent 
chore was needed. 

Let me pay a tribute to another kins-woman, whose friendship is one 
of the choice memories of my life. My acquaintance with Mrs. Christian 
Baird Barclay, youngest daughter of William Eagles Baird, was in the last 
years of her long life. She was so cheerful, so quaint in her individuality 
so true that her society was a delight. She was born in 1S09, the same 
year the construction of this old stone house was begun. I have heard her 
tell the story of when she was a little girl, one summer morning she stood 
outside the door of this very house, and saw on the ridge just across the 
road a fine, wild buck with branching antlers. Each gazed at the other for 
a little time, then the deer trotted away. 

To one other descendant of Francis Baird. an aged lady who bears his 
name, and who we are proud to have with us to-day. I wish in behalf of 
my brothers, my sister and myself to express our gratitude. Our mother. 
Frances Amelia Baird Stanford, has been to us and is a devoted parent, 



# N()TK. - Bines the abOV« article was read. Mrs. Mary EL Barrell of New York, has given 
the following in reference to the Scotch ancestry of the Hainls: "Francis Baird (never 

:> mas have heeri Irish by nativity, hut not by ancestry. The Bairds of Avondale 
an ancient and powerful Berg Scots clan, and as long RgO as the wild days of the strujnrle* 

between Robert Bruce and John Ballol for the Scottish crown 1 brave account of 

themselves on the side of the Lord of Lome .ivam-t thetinallv victorious Bruce. The name 
ully (Norman-French) Bayard was shortened into Baird by neighbors after the family 
1 Into Scotland from Franc.- at an early date Mr - an ofTshoot and clans- 

man of this stock ' Editor. 

I Thirty-eighth 1 



whose life has been given to our training, especially along Christian ideals. 
We owe to her more than we can ever pay. 

Let me say to the Baird mothers and women who are here to-day, 
yours is no mean sphere of life to lead sons and daughters to high ideals, 
for this is the noblest gift of the Heavenly Father. 

In closing, let me call your attention to the little mill, which through 
all our program to-day, as it has for one hundred and fifty years, been 
carrying out its mission of usefulness — in grinding, grinding, grinding. 

So let our lives be marked by the industry, which is a part of our herit- 
age. Let us make the Baird name stand for something more than an 
honorable place in our day and communities. Let it also stand for the best 
things in life-things ethical and Christian. For after all, the sorrows and 
burdens of the word's need have a pull upon every heart, and ours is the 
opportunity to bring such weary ones to the Burden Bearer of Sorrows, 
and the Emancipator of sin. 



[Thirty-ninth] 




ANCESTRY OF SARAH DEKAY 



WIFE OF WILLIAM E. BAIRD, AND THE FIRST MIS- 
TRESS OF THE BAIRD HOUSE NEAR 
WARWICK, N. Y. 

BY DAVID BARCLAY. 

ORE than two hundred and fifty years have passed since mem- 
bers of the DeKay family came from Holland to reside at 
New Amsterdam, on Manhattan Island. Originally, the 
DeKays appear to have been Protestant refugees from French 
and Spanish Flanders. In 1644, William de Key, formerly of 
Harlem, was appointed Receiver-General of the Dutch province of New 
Netherland, and resided at New Amsterdam, where he discharged the 
duties of his office for several years. Another member of the family, Jacob 
Theunissen de Key, at about this time, also took up his residence at New 
Amsterdam. Here he married Hilegonda Theunis, and became a wealthy 
merchant, an elder of the Dutch Church who was held "in high esteem as 
a man of probity and honor." He had five children, Janneken, Agnietie 
and Maria, daughters, and Tunis and Jacobus, sons. Jacobus married Sarah 
Willett of Flushing, L. I., and in 1701, bought from the corporation of New- 
York City two hundred and thirty-five acres of land in what was then 
known as the Out Ward. One of his sons was Thomas, who the records 
of the Dutch Church show, received baptism February 6th, 169S. Thomas 
DeKay succeeded his father as owner of the estate in the Out Ward, or a 
considerable portion of it, and married Christiana Duncan, daughter of 
George Duncan, of Scotland. In 1724, he purchased twelve hundred acres 
of land, part of the Wawayanda patent, situated in what is now Orange 
County, New York, and Sussex County, New Jersey. About tea v 
later he sold his property in the Out Ward, and removed with his fam : 
the Wawayanda estate. Of the original house built by him, only the 
stones of the foundation now remain. It stood not far from the present 
residence of Mr. Henry B. DeKay, beside the Wawayanda stream, called 
in the old deed Randon river. He was one of the earliest settlers upon 
that portion of the Patent, the region being then an almost unbn 
forest. 

Within the limits of this paper, only brief allusion ean be made to - 
of the principal events in the life of Thomas DeKay. A man of g] 
strength of character, he took no Inconsiderable part in the affairs of this 
portion of the colony. Soon after his arrival he was commissioned Colonel 
of the Militia of Western Orange County, which included the frontier 



districts, and as far eastward as Goshen. The office was no sinecure. It 
entailed many dangers and hardships. When the former friendly Indians 
of this section became disaffected and sullen, Colonel DeKay with a guard 
was sent by the Colonial Government to Cochecton on the Delaware River 
in the midst of a severe winter, to treat with them. This mission he ac- 
complished successfully, and persuaded the Indians to send delegates to 
meet him at Goshen and ratify a treaty of peace. It must have been a 
picturesque and impressive ceremony, that Goshen treaty, which was held 
on January 3rd, 1745. A dozen chiefs of the Minsi or Wolf, and the Una- 
lachtgo or Turkey tribes, assembled there. Colonel DeKay received 
them. Speeches were made, affairs were settled satisfactorily, and then at 
the request of the chiefs, the Colonel was chained to them for an hour or 
more, in token of their being bound together in the bonds of peace. While 
he was chained to them the Indians gave him a belt of wampum, a treaty 
belt, to be delivered to the Governor of the colony. An entry in the books 
of the Lords of Trade in London, shows that the Colonel a few days later 
came before the Assembly at New York and reported the success of his 
mission and delivered the wampum belt. It is the only occasion on record 
when the Indian ceremony of the covenant chain was performed in Orange 
County. 

During the period of the French and Indian war, bands of hostile sav- 
ages made several raids upon the frontiers of this county. A number of 
settlers were killed and their homes pillaged. Others fled to more thickly 
inhabited localities, so that whole districts were deserted. At this time 
Colonel DeKay and his regiment were frequently in service, ranging the 
woods and guarding as well as they could against Indian forays. Some 
times almost the entire regiment was under arms, but usually only detach- 
ments were called out for a brief period and replaced in turn by others. 
The service was arduous, there was no commissary, each man supplying 
his own rations. Among the historical manuscripts on file at Albany is a 
letter written by Colonel DeKay to Governor Sir Charles Hardy, dated at 
Minisink, January 8th, 1756, in mid-winter. He writes that the alarm be- 
gan about eight o'clock, and Captain DeKay with thirty of the rangers 
and twenty men besides, crossed the river to Pennsylvania and marched 
down the other side to prevent the enemy from crossing over. He hears 
that the Indians are burning all before them down below. He urges the 
necessity of more forces, states that he would be glad if they had two or 
three great guns, about six pounders, with a few swivels, and powder and 
ball. 

Besides protecting their own homes the regiment was ordered in 1757 
to march to the relief of Fort William Henry, on Lake George, then be- 
sieged by French and Indians under the Marquis de Montcalm. The 
Colonel's men were mounted for this service, and though they doubtless 
rode with all speed, on reaching the rendezvous at Fort Edward, near Al- 
bany, they learned that Fort William Henry had already fallen. The last 
public service rendered by the Colonel, only a few weeks before his death, 
was in November, 1757, when he with Colonel Clinton and a guard jour- 
neyed along the frontiers of Orange County and located the places for 

[Forty-first] 



erecting block houses which had been ordered built by Lieut. Governor 
DeLancey. 

Colonel DeKay died January i, 1758. According to the family tradi- 
tion, at his first arrival on the Wawayanda lands purchased by him, he 
camped on a knoll overlooking the valley, and was so charmed by the 
beautiful landscape spread before him that he expressed a desire to be 
buried there. The wish was faithfully carried out, a substantial stone 
marking the resting place of the sturdy pioneer. He left surviving him 
his widow and a large family of sons and daughters. One of his sons was 
Thomas, who served with the rank of Captain in his father's regiment. 
Captain Thomas DeKay owned the farm now belonging to Mr. Townsend 
W. Sanford, adjoining the Baird property. He sold a portion of his lands 
in 17S9 to William E. Baird, who was then his son-in-law. The Captain 
died in 1810, and both he and his wife are buried in the private cemetery 
on the farm. He left sons, Nathaniel and Thomas, and daughters, Mary. 
Sarah, Christian, Jane and Julia. His daughter, Sarah DeKay, was born 
April 24th, 1766, and married William E. Baird February 22nd, \- 
They were a very young people to take upon themselves the cares and re- 
sponsibilities of matrimony. Sarah was then not quite eighteen years of 
age, and her husband less than six months older. Of the ten children born 
to them in after years my mother was the youngest. Frequently she has 
told me that this stone house was built the year of her birth, 1S09. Doubt- 
less it was completed as the date engraved on its wall testifies, in 1S10, 
just a century ago. It is a good and substantial structure, of dignified ap- 
pearance, and bids fair to resist the elements for another hundred years. 
Unfortunately the first owners were not destined to enjoy its shelter very 
long. William E. Baird died four years after the completion of the build- 
ing, and his wife Sarah survived but six years longer. 

Here, however, they and their children must have enjoyed many hap- 
py days, though days that were not free from toil. I myself possess some 
proof that my grandmother was an industrious woman. At my house in 
Newburgh is her spinning wheel; its wooden treadle worn thin by con- 
stant use. Of her life I know but ltttle. Sometimes on winter evenings, 
while watching the fire light shining on my grandmother's old brass and- 
irons, I have tried to remember whatever had been told me of her. But 
the incidents I can recall are few, in the life of the first mistress of this 
house, Sarah DeKay Baird. 



[ Porty-— con dj 



EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS. 

A GREAT many letters were received by the Secretary in connection 
with the Centennial of 1910. With apology to the many that must go 
unnoticed, a few extracts will be quoted from some of those received. 

Mrs. Mary J. Wellman, Pavilion, N. Y. — We have just received the 
invitation to the Baird Centennial and regret that it is impossible for any 
of us to be present. We were much interested in the picture of the Baird 
Homestead and in the chart showing the lines of descent. 

Mrs. Brice P. Walling, Sussex, N. J. — Mrs. Walling and son regret 
that previous arrangements will prevent them from attending the Baird 
reunion on August 2. 

Mrs. Sarah Baird Sanders, Auburn, N. Y. — I regret very much being 
unable to meet with you on August 2nd to celebrate the anniversary of so 
great an event. Please send me a booklet telling of the things I have 
missed. 

Mrs. Alice V. Browning, Cragsmoor, N. Y. — Your very interesting 
and kind invitation reached me and I shall be unable to accept with my 
daughters. My mother was Anna Elizabeth and her sister Hannah Min- 
thorn. 

Miss Katherine Baird, Plymouth, Michigan. — With sincere regrets I 
must forego the pleasure of meeting with you on the 2nd inst. 

T. K. Blaine and family, Piper City, Illinois — To all the Baird kins- 
men, greeting. Distance making it impracticable to be with you in person 
on August 2nd, we shall be with you in spirit. 

Mrs. Grace Browning Moore, Lake Placid, N. Y. — Please accept my 
hearty thauks for the invitation to the Baird Centennial and my sincere 
regrets that I shall be unable to be present on that occasion. 

Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Freshour, Mason, Michigan. — Invitation re- 
ceived which we appreciate greatly and regret that we shall be unable to 
attend. 

Mr. and Mrs. William C. Jirdinston, Auburn, N. Y. — Very much re- 
gret their inability to attend the Baird reunion on August 2nd. 

Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Freshour and Esther Louise Freshour, Mason, 
Michigan. — We regret that we cannot be present on August 2nd to help 
celebrate the reunion of the Baird family centennial. 

David Barclay, Newburgh, N. Y. — Regret that I cannot attend the re- 
union. I am sending a couple of silver spoons that formerly belonged to 
Sarah DeKay, wife of William Eagles Baird. Please keep one of them 

[Forty-third] 



yourself and give the other one to William Parks Baird, who owns the old 
Baird house. 

Miss Ardilla Sanders, Auburn, N. Y. — Regret exceedingly that I can- 
not be present on August 2nd, and with heartiest congratulations for the 
success of the affair and with hopes that the next centennial may be of as 
much interest as this one. 

Miss Adele Browning, Bear and Fox Inn, Onteora Club, Tannersville, 
N. Y. — I am very sorry that I will not be able to be present at the Baird 
reunion. Please send me a booklet. 

Mr. and Mrs. L. B. Freshour and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Freshour, 
Mason, Michigan. — Regret their inability to accept your kind invitation 
for the 2nd of August for the Baird family reunion. 

Julia DeKay Winans, New York City — Mr. Winans and I regret ex- 
ceedingly we shall be unable to attend the Baird family reunion. 

James C. Houston, New York City, the Bronx. — My wife and I both 
regret that we cannot be present with those who are near and dear to us on 
on August 2nd. 

Howard M. Baird, Los Angeles, California. — I was very pleased to re- 
ceive an invitation to the Baird reunion. That I would like to be present 
on that occasion but feebly expresses the longing of my heart. The next 
best thing for me is to get one of the booklets, for which I enclose check. 

Laura B. Baird, Coronado, California. — Regret that I could not be 
present at the reunion. Please send me a booklet. 

Thomas W. DeKay, Vernon, N. J. — I regret that I cannot be present 
and accept your invitation to read the history of Sarah DeKay, the first 
mistress of the Baird homestead, prepared by Mr. Barclay. 

Mrs. Kate Frances Underwood, nee Lovejoy, Gardner, Illinois. — I 
am pleased to be remembered as a descendant of the Baird family and am 
very sorry that I cannot meet with you on August 2nd. * * I sincerely 
hope that this reunion will bring us in closer fellowship in the future. * * 
My grandmother was Frances (Fanny) Blain. She was born in 1S00 in- 
stead of 1802, as your chart shows. Please send me a booklet. 



I Forty-fourth I 



ACROSTIC 

First among the sons of men, 

Revered by daughters fair, 

And by his sons and next of kin 

No other can compare. 

Content was he to serve his day. 

In church and state as well 

So now we show our gratitude 

By this centennial. 
Again to-day his name revere, 
In this our native place, 
Relations, famous, great or small, 
Deem him foremost of the race. 



[Forty-fifth] 




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